Indian Festivals are celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals add to the colours of Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of saints and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion...
Festivals of India 2025
November (Kartik / Marghsheesh)
Our country is celebrated worldwide for its rich traditions and vibrant cultural fabric. Every festival in India reflects our unity in diversity, binding people together in joy, devotion, and shared heritage. November, in particular, holds a special place on India’s festive calendar, marking the start of a season that is both spiritually uplifting and culturally colorful.
November is extra special for children — it celebrates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (पंडित जवाहरलाल नेहरू), India’s first Prime Minister, whose deep love for children gave us Children’s Day (बाल दिवस) on November 14th. The month begins with pride and joy for the people of Karnataka, who mark Rajyotsava Day (राज्योत्सव दिवस) on November 1st, celebrating the formation of their state in 1956 with cultural performances and community gatherings.
The northeast too brims with festivities. Manipur welcomes the harvest season with the Kuki Chin Mizo Kut (कुकी चिन मिज़ो कूट), while Meghalaya celebrates Seng Kut Snem (सेंग कुट स्नेम) — a festival preserving and honoring the Khasi heritage. Assam’s Majuli Festival (माजुली महोत्सव) is another highlight, bringing together local art, dance, and music on the world’s largest river island.
Down south, Kerala — famously called God’s Own Country — comes alive with grand processions during the Kalpathi Chariot Festival (कलपथी रथोत्सव). Parumala Perunnal (परूमला पेरुन्नाल) too brings thousands to commemorate the revered saint, Bishop M.G. Metropolitan, with prayers and feasts.
Varanasi’s iconic Ganga Mahotsav (गंगा महोत्सव) fills the ghats with music, art, and lamps that float on the sacred river — a sight to behold for pilgrims and travelers alike.
November’s colorful fairs paint India’s cultural canvas even brighter. The Shamlaji Fair (शामलाजी मेला) and Chandrabhaga Fair (चंद्रभागा मेला) add to Rajasthan’s festive charm. Uttar Pradesh’s famous Dadri Mela (दादरी मेला), Odisha’s Bali Yatra (बाली यात्रा) celebrating ancient maritime trade, and Jharkhand’s Kundri Mela (कुंदरी मेला) are other gems for cultural enthusiasts.
November is also sacred for the Sikh community. The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (गुरु नानक देव जी), the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism, is observed with processions, kirtans, and langars across the world.
Other significant festivals this month include Kartika Purnima (कार्तिक पूर्णिमा), Bada Osha (बड़ा ओषा) in Odisha, Jagadhatri Puja (जगद्धात्री पूजा) in West Bengal, and Aanvla Navami (आंवला नवमी), each adding its own unique essence to India’s festive mosaic.
So, as November arrives, embrace the lights, fairs, rituals, and melodies that make this month one of India’s most cherished times of the year — a true celebration of family, faith, and unity.
Explore and enjoy the panorama of Festivals / Fairs / Melas celebrated in India.
Forthcoming Festivals
- Bateshwar Fair Tuesday, 18 November 2025